It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dean Albert Custer a man who lived life his own way, right to the very end. He passed peacefully at home in The Pas, Manitoba, with his partner Bonnie, whom he loved deeply, by his side.

Dean was a proud father to his five children: Janessa (Thomas), Justin (Merlinda), Brodie,  Kyla (Jordan), and Anna (Garrett), and stepfather to Hanna. He carried a deep love for his children and was immensely proud of each of them.

Originally from the small town of Baljennie, Saskatchewan, Dean grew up living a cowboy way of life. Raised on horses and shaped by the land around him, that spirit stayed with him forever. He was raised by his grandparents, whom he loved and respected greatly , and who helped shape the man he became.

Dean was happiest in the outdoors, where his adventurous spirit truly came alive. Whether hunting, fishing, or sharing rounds of golf with friends and family, he embraced the life he loved and lived it entirely on his own terms.

Dean had a natural gift for pool, but it was the years he spent honing that talent that truly set him apart. He played at a master level, earning the respect of anyone who watched him at the table. In his earlier years, he even owned his own pool hall—a place where his passion for the game and his larger-than-life presence brought people together. Whether in league play or a casual match, he was the kind of teammate everyone wanted—steady, skilled, and always good for a laugh. He loved the competition, the camaraderie, and the simple joy of time spent around the table or out on the course.

He was incredibly funny—the kind of funny that caught you off guard and stayed with you. He had a gift for making people laugh in any situation, and that will be deeply missed.

He also carried a quiet strength. Years ago, he placed sixth in the world in arm wrestling—something many people never knew, because he never felt the need to speak about it.

Dean cherished his time in Cold Lake (Sherridon), Manitoba, where he built a life with his partner Bonnie. It was his dream to be there, he truly valued the life they shared and the time he spent by the lake. It meant everything to him. It was also where he learned to "rice," often proudly sharing the story of being promoted to hauler in just one day.

When he wasn't in Sherridon, Dean could often be found in Saskatchewan visiting his children or spending time with lifelong friends.

He found a true sense of purpose in teaching, taking great pride in his work as a welding instructor for over 20 years and sharing his skills  while guiding others to find their own path.

Dean was also looking forward to becoming a grandfather, with two grandchildren on the way, and he wished dearly for the chance to meet them.

Dean lived and passed on his own terms, exactly where he wanted to be.  He will be remembered for his humour, his strength, his love of the outdoors, and the life he lived—unapologetically and fully.

He will be deeply missed.

In keeping with Dean's wishes, cremation has taken place and a come and go celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Halcrow Lake Golf Club, The Pas, Manitoba.

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